COVENTRY BLAZE have added another Stewart to their 2016/17 roster with the addition of 21-year-old London-born forward Liam Stewart, the son of world-famous rock star Rod Stewart.
Stewart’s love for hockey dates back to when he was just three years old when he attended a New York Rangers game shortly after moving to South Carolina.
Shortly after his first taste of hockey – playing as part of the LA Kings junior programme – Stewart was spotted by talent scouts and began playing with the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League – playing 251 games over four seasons.
The 6’1″ Englishman was part of the Alaska Aces setup last year, though progress in his first professional season was cut short due to injury.
Now, a fully recovered Stewart joins the Blaze for his first taste of Elite League Ice Hockey.
It won’t be the first time Stewart has iced in the UK though having been having been part of the Great Britain under 20s World Championship Division I Group B tournament held in Dumfries.
An excited Liam Stewart admitted he has been considering a move to the Elite League for some time now and he’s pleased to now call Coventry home.
He added: “I’ve watched highlights of the league and have some buddies who play there so I knew it could be a league that I wanted to play in.
“Seeing as I know a couple of guys like Ross Venus, Matt Selby and David Clements from playing with them on Team GB I knew Coventry would be a good fit.”
On his experience in Alaska last season, Liam said: “I was there for a couple of months before I got injured.
“The injury is fully recovered now and I am itching to get back on the ice to start the season.
“Being able to come home and play good competitive hockey and also be close to family is one of the main reasons why I’ve signed up for the Elite League.
“I’m excited to get to work, and get things rolling this season with the Blaze.”
Blaze head coach Danny Stewart said Liam’s signing is important to the club and he will add some much needed depth to the squad.
He added: “With many teams looking to play four-lines next season, it’s important we have capable guys that can take minutes away from our top-six forwards and produce themselves.
“He has the ability to play wing and centre, is a capable penalty killer, good on face-offs and reliable at both ends of the ice.
“His season was cut short last year in Alaska due to injury but he is healthy now and excited for this next challenge.”
